FLIXTON started well in the opening minutes against this superb Accrington team who are fourth in the UniBond First Division, but it only took eight minutes before they were on the back foot.

John Doolan opened the scoring for the home team with a text-book over-head kick to bring the large crowd to life.

Accrington threw everything into attack, bombarding Neild's goal. Before long, the ball fell to Jones on the left for Accrington who provided a superb cross which was volleyed home by Mark Ceraolo to make it 2-0 to the home team.

After 20 minutes Flixton settled and controlled most of the midfield, making some good attempts for Butterworth and Hayder, the two Flixton front men.

Bobby Jones went off with a groin problem after 35 minutes to be replaced by Ian Carthy, who put his foot on the ball and played some quality balls in for the two attackers, but none of the forwards could convert.

The second half started brightly for Flixton, as they played some good football and, with quality passing, tried to open the home defence. They succeeded on more than one occasion but the ball just did not find the right man.

Accrington got themselves back into the game putting pressure on Holt and Dowle at the back for Flixton.

However, they stood strong and the game finished with both teams attacking from goal to goal.

Flixton's best chances fell to Dougherty and Hayder but both could not convert thanks to fine saves from the home goalkeepers.

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